Christie: The mayor's 'got a big mouth'

6/7/12 1:35 PM EDT

The New Jersey Democratic establishment’s ceaseless efforts to stick it to GOP Gov. Chris Christie, and his typically sharp-elbowed responses, tend to produce some of the best political theater in the nation.

In the latest installment, a Democratic mayor tries to embarrass the governor before his appearance at a town hall by setting up flashing electronic roadside traffic signs criticizing Christie’s stance on the issue of energy tax receipt revenues.

Christie apparently saw the signs on his way into the town hall because he mentioned the mayor during his opening monologue (although not by name), saying [Piscataway Mayor Brian C.] Wahler didn't support pension and benefit reform legislation last year.

"He's got a big mouth on everything else, but he gets mute when it comes to this," Christie said.

Christie doesn’t exactly fit the happy warrior mold of politician, but he does play his role with a certain élan.